The nurse’s response after a patient says the doctor spoke nonsense and asks for the surgery explanation; best response?

• A. I will have the surgeon come back in here and discuss it with you again.
• B. I will look up the procedure and tell you.
• C. Don’t worry; it’s not important.
• D. Let me call another doctor.

Answer: (A)

When a patient expresses confusion or distrust and asks for a clear explanation, the priority is to connect them with the clinician who can provide accurate, detailed information. Having the surgeon come back to discuss the procedure directly meets that need: it offers information from the person who knows the specifics, reinforces trust in the care team, and shows respect for the patient’s concerns. This approach also prevents giving potentially inaccurate details yourself and avoids dismissing the patient’s worries or escalating to another provider unnecessarily. By coordinating with the surgeon, you support the patient’s ability to understand and participate in decisions about their care.